How to Sell Vintage Clothing on Mercari

Imagine stumbling upon a treasure trove of vintage clothing while cleaning out your attic. From 80s denim jackets to 90s graphic tees, you realize these items could find new homes and bring in some cash. Selling vintage clothing on Mercari can be a rewarding venture if you know how to play the game right. With Mercari's simple platform and a slightly younger audience, it's an ideal place for vintage items that might be too casual for eBay or too niche for platforms like Vinted.

The Mercari Marketplace: Understanding the Platform

Mercari is a user-friendly platform known for its broad US audience and straightforward fee structure. With a total fee of approximately 13.4% per sale, including a 10% seller fee and a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee, it's slightly higher than some platforms but offers simplicity and ease of use. The audience skews younger, targeting the 25-40 age group, making it perfect for vintage clothing that caters to fashion-forward individuals. Plus, with over 50 million downloads, there's no shortage of potential buyers.

Sourcing Authentic Vintage Clothing

Sourcing quality vintage clothing is the first step to a successful sale. Start at local thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army, where you can often find items from before 2005, characterized by unique prints and heavyweight fabrics. Estate sales are also excellent venues for scoring entire wardrobes, often with hidden designer gems. If you’re in the UK or EU, consider raghouses or vintage wholesalers, where you can buy by the kilo for a fraction of the price. Focus on high-demand items like vintage band tees, denim, and leather goods.

Pricing Your Vintage Finds

Pricing is crucial. For common vintage pieces from the 80s and 90s, list them between $10-25. Branded pieces from Levi's or Ralph Lauren can fetch $25-60. Authentic vintage band tees, a hot commodity, can sell for $40-200+, and designer items like Versace can go for $80-500+. Remember, Mercari has a built-in offer system, so price your items 15-20% higher to accommodate negotiations. Use the Smart Pricing feature if you want to automate price drops and move items quickly.

Creating a Compelling Listing on Mercari

Creating a listing on Mercari is straightforward but needs attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step process:

• Add Photos: Use flat lays on contrasting surfaces to showcase the full garment. Include close-ups of tags for authenticity and any flaws with good lighting. If you have a dress form, steam garments first for a polished look.
• Title and Description: Write a clear title including the brand, type of item, and any unique features. Use Mercari's ListingGenie to craft optimized descriptions that highlight the era, condition, and notable details.
• Category and Brand: Select the appropriate category and brand. Mercari's interface is intuitive, guiding you through with dropdown menus.
• Price: Set a competitive price, using the tips mentioned earlier. Consider enabling the Smart Pricing feature.
• Shipping: Decide if you or the buyer will cover shipping. Use Mercari’s prepaid labels for convenience or ship independently if it’s more cost-effective for you.
• Finalize: Review your listing and hit publish. Aim to ship within 3 business days to maintain a high seller rating and earn the "Fast Shipper" badge.

Shipping Vintage Clothing on Mercari

With clothing being lightweight, shipping can be affordable. Use poly mailers for standard items and add tissue paper for delicate pieces. USPS First Class is an excellent option for under 1lb parcels, keeping costs under $5. For heavier garments like leather jackets, opt for USPS Priority or UPS with Mercari’s discounted rates.

Maintaining Quality and Building Trust

Vintage buyers appreciate transparency. Always grade the condition accurately. Check for fabric fragility, moth holes, pit stains, and cracking prints. Clearly disclose any flaws in your listing. Being upfront not only builds trust but also minimizes the risk of returns.

FAQs About Selling Vintage Clothing on Mercari

• How much does Mercari charge in fees?

  Mercari charges a 10% seller fee plus a 2.9% payment processing fee plus $0.50 per transaction, totaling approximately 13.4%.

• What are the best vintage items to sell on Mercari?

  Focus on high-demand items like vintage band tees, denim jackets, and branded vintage clothing from brands like Levi's and Champion.

• How does shipping work on Mercari?

  You can use prepaid labels provided by Mercari or ship on your own. Prepaid labels from USPS, UPS, and FedEx come at discounted rates.

• What if my item doesn’t sell immediately?

  Use Mercari’s Smart Pricing feature to gradually lower the price or consider refreshing your listing with new photos or a revised description.

• How do I gain a good reputation as a seller on Mercari?

  Ship items quickly within 3 business days, accurately describe items, and maintain transparent communications with buyers.